I see shortcomings, too, of course. One of those is that one meets sooo many Americans that have never left their shores, know nothing at all about other peoples, other countries’ cultures. And worse, have no desire to know, or learn, either. The world’s knowledge is sadly removed, and distant from most Americans.

I agree with your thought, Acro….By traveling (however rarely, or modestly) you gain the chance of personal enrichment, seeing other cultures, refreshing ideas, and testing assumptions. One simply grows, and widens, one’s perspective. Every nation can teach us something. Different peoples show us different things.

Poor Uncle – I had no idea, thanks for sharing. The beauty of people lies in their uniqueness.

Those people there refer to me as American though I am of Asian origin. When I came back it made me wonder why I can’t drive on the shoulder or between lanes to avoid traffic. Or, why I can’t have a mistress or have 2 bar hostesses to accompany me to my hotel room. America is indeed stuck up. That is why it made me love it even more.